User Interface for Displaying Selectable Software Functionality Controls that are Relevant to a Selected Object

ABSTRACT

An improved user interface is provided for displaying selectable software functionality controls that are relevant to a selected object and that remain visibly available for use while the selected object is being edited. Upon selection of a particular object for editing, functionality available for editing the object is presented in a ribbon-shaped user interface above the software application workspace to allow the user ready and efficient access to functionality needed for editing the selected object. The display of relevant functionality controls is persisted until the user dismisses the display, selects another top-level functionality control or selects another object for editing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 12/725,605 entitled “User Interface for Displaying SelectableSoftware Functionality Controls that are Relevant to a Selected Object”filed Mar. 17, 2010, which is a Continuation of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 10/955,941 entitled “An Improved User Interface forDisplaying Selectable Software Functionality Controls that are Relevantto a Selected Object” filed Sep. 30, 2004, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/601,815 entitled “Improved UserInterfaces for Computer Software Applications” filed Aug. 16, 2004(Attorney Docket No. 60001.0407USP1/309417.1), which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to software application userinterfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to animproved user interface for displaying selectable software controls thatare relevant to a selected object.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of the computer age, computer and software users havegrown accustomed to user-friendly software applications that help themwrite, calculate, organize, prepare presentations, send and receiveelectronic mail, make music, and the like. For example, modernelectronic word processing applications allow users to prepare a varietyof useful documents. Modern spreadsheet applications allow users toenter, manipulate, and organize data. Modern electronic slidepresentation applications allow users to create a variety of slidepresentations containing text, pictures, data or other useful objects.

To assist users to locate and utilize functionality of a given softwareapplication, a user interface containing a plurality of genericfunctionality controls is typically provided along an upper, lower orside edge of a displayed workspace in which the user may enter, copy,manipulate and format text or data. Such functionality controls ofteninclude selectable buttons with such names as “file,” “edit,” “view,”“insert,” “format,” and the like. Typically, selection of one of thesetop-level functionality buttons, for example “format,” causes adrop-down menu to be deployed to expose one or more selectablefunctionality controls associated with the top-level functionality, forexample “font” under a top-level functionality of “format.”

After a user selects a desired functionality control, or if the usermoves the mouse cursor to a different location, the drop-down menutypically disappears. If the user determines that functionality of thefirst drop-down menu was the desired functionality, the user mustremember which top-level functionality was selected, reselect thatfunctionality and then find the desired functionality control all overagain. Accordingly, in order to use the functionality of a givensoftware application, the user must know the desired functionality isavailable under one of the selectable buttons, or the user must selectdifferent top-level functionalities until the desired specificfunctionality is located.

This is particularly cumbersome when the user desires to apply manyavailable functionalities to a given object type. For example, if theuser desires to edit a picture object imbedded in a text document,according to prior methods and systems, the user must find functionalityin a drop-down menu associated with editing the picture object. Afterapplication of any given functionality, the drop-down menu associatedwith editing the selected object, e.g., picture object, typicallydisappears. When the user desires to make a second or subsequent edit tothe object, the user must once again find the correct top-levelfunctionality control, deploy a menu of available functionalities, andfind the desired particular functionality. Such a method of searchingfor desired functionality is cumbersome and time-consuming, particularlyfor less-experienced users, and when new functionality is added bydevelopers of the software application, the new functionality may neverbe utilized unless the user is somehow educated as to its existence.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved user interfacefor displaying selectable software functionality controls that arerelevant to a selected object and that remain visibly available for usewhile the object is being edited. It is with respect to these and otherconsiderations that the present invention has been made.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention solve the above and other problemsby providing an improved user interface for displaying selectablesoftware functionality controls that are relevant to a selected objectand that remain visibly available for use while the selected object isbeing edited. Generally, aspects of the present invention provide forpresenting selectable functionality controls associated with a giventop-level functionality upon selection of a given object for editing.Upon selection of a particular object for editing, functionalityavailable for editing the object is presented in a ribbon-shaped userinterface above the software application workspace to allow the userready and efficient access to functionality needed for editing theselected object. The display of relevant functionality controls ispersisted until the user dismisses the display, selects anothertop-level functionality control or selects another object for editing.

According to an aspect of the invention, methods and systems providefunctionality from a software application that is relevant to an editedobject via an improved user interface. A plurality of functionalitiesavailable from a given software application is provided. Upon receivingan indication of a selection of an object for editing via the softwareapplication, one or more selectable controls representing a subset ofthe plurality of functionalities is displayed in a ribbon-shaped userinterface whereby the subset of the plurality of functionalities isrelevant to and allows for editing the selected object. The subset ofthe plurality of functionalities is persisted in the user interfaceuntil an indication is received of the selection of a different objectfor editing or the selection of a different functionality associatedwith a different subset of the plurality of functionalities.

These and other features and advantages, which characterize the presentinvention, will be apparent from a reading of the following detaileddescription and a review of the associated drawings. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the architecture of a personalcomputer that provides an illustrative operating environment forembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a computer screen display showing aribbon-shaped user interface for displaying task-based top-levelfunctionality tabs and for displaying a plurality of functionalitiesavailable under a selected top-level functionality tab.

FIG. 3 illustrates a computer screen display showing a ribbon-shapeduser interface in which is disposed selectable functionality controlsrelevant to and associated with the editing of a selected object.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer screen display showing an editable objectaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer screen display showing the presentation ofa plurality of functionalities associated with a selected object forediting.

FIG. 6 illustrates the computer screen display of FIG. 5 wherein adrop-down menu of selectable formatting options combinations isillustrated under a selectable formatting control.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer screen display showing the presentation ofa plurality of functionalities associated with a selected object forediting.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer screen display showing an editable objectaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a computer screen display showing a pop-upfunctionality menu for providing functionality associated with aselected object for editing.

FIG. 10 illustrates a computer screen display showing the presentationof a plurality of functionalities associated with a selected object forediting.

FIG. 11 illustrates a computer screen display showing the presentationof a plurality of functionalities associated with a selected object forediting.

FIG. 12 illustrates a computer screen display showing the presentationof a plurality of functionalities associated with a selected object forediting.

FIG. 13 illustrates a computer screen display showing a pop-upfunctionality menu for providing functionality associated with aselected object for editing.

FIG. 14 illustrates a computer screen display showing the presentationof a plurality of functionalities associated with a selected object forediting.

FIG. 15 illustrates a computer screen display showing a pop-upfunctionality menu for providing functionality associated with aselected object for editing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly described above, embodiments of the present invention aredirected to an improved user interface for displaying selectablefunctionality controls that are relevant to a selected object and thatremain visibly available for use while the selected object is beingedited. In the following detailed description, references are made tothe accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which areshown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. Theseembodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, andstructural changes may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the present invention. The following detailed description istherefore not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likeelements through the several figures, aspects of the present inventionand the exemplary operating environment will be described. FIG. 1 andthe following discussion are intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable computing environment in which the inventionmay be implemented. While the invention will be described in the generalcontext of program modules that execute in conjunction with anapplication program that runs on an operating system on a personalcomputer, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention mayalso be implemented in combination with other program modules.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasksor implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with othercomputer system configurations, including hand-held devices,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an illustrative computer architecture for apersonal computer 2 for practicing the various embodiments of theinvention will be described. The computer architecture shown in FIG. 1illustrates a conventional personal computer, including a centralprocessing unit 4 (“CPU”), a system memory 6, including a random accessmemory 8 (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”) 10, and a system bus 12that couples the memory to the CPU 4. A basic input/output systemcontaining the basic routines that help to transfer information betweenelements within the computer, such as during startup, is stored in theROM 10. The personal computer 2 further includes a mass storage device14 for storing an operating system 16, application programs, such as theapplication program 205, and data.

The mass storage device 14 is connected to the CPU 4 through a massstorage controller (not shown) connected to the bus 12. The mass storagedevice 14 and its associated computer-readable media, providenon-volatile storage for the personal computer 2. Although thedescription of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a massstorage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable media canbe any available media that can be accessed by the personal computer 2.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media maycomprise computer storage media and communication media. Computerstorage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solidstate memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the personal computer2 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections toremote computers through a TCP/IP network 18, such as the Internet. Thepersonal computer 2 may connect to the TCP/IP network 18 through anetwork interface unit 20 connected to the bus 12. It should beappreciated that the network interface unit 20 may also be utilized toconnect to other types of networks and remote computer systems. Thepersonal computer 2 may also include an input/output controller 22 forreceiving and processing input from a number of devices, including akeyboard or mouse (not shown). Similarly, an input/output controller 22may provide output to a display screen, a printer, or other type ofoutput device.

As mentioned briefly above, a number of program modules and data filesmay be stored in the mass storage device 14 and RAM 8 of the personalcomputer 2, including an operating system 16 suitable for controllingthe operation of a networked personal computer, such as the WINDOWSoperating systems from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. The massstorage device 14 and RAM 8 may also store one or more applicationprograms. In particular, the mass storage device 14 and RAM 8 may storean application program 105 for providing a variety of functionalities toa user. For instance, the application program 105 may comprise manytypes of programs such as a word processing application, a spreadsheetapplication, a desktop publishing application, and the like. Accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, the application program 105comprises a multiple functionality software application for providingword processing functionality, slide presentation functionality,spreadsheet functionality, database functionality and the like. Some ofthe individual program modules comprising the multiple functionalityapplication 105 include a word processing application 125, a slidepresentation application 135, a spreadsheet application 140 and adatabase application 145. An example of such a multiple functionalityapplication 105 is OFFICE manufactured by Microsoft Corporation. Othersoftware applications illustrated in FIG. 1 include an electronic mailapplication 130.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a computer screen display showing aribbon-shaped user interface for displaying task-based top-levelfunctionality tabs and for displaying a plurality of functionalitiesavailable under a selected top-level functionality tab. As brieflydescribed above, the improved user interface of the present inventionincludes a ribbon-shaped user interface for displaying selectablecontrols associated with task-based functionality available under agiven software application, such as the software application 105illustrated in FIG. 1. A first section 210 of the user interface 200includes generic selectable controls for functionality not associatedwith a particular task, such as word processing versus spreadsheet dataanalysis. For example, the section 210 includes selectable controls forgeneral file commands such as “file open,” “file save” and “print.”According to one embodiment of the present invention, the selectablecontrols included in the first section 210 are controls that may beutilized by a variety of software applications comprising a multiplefunctionality application 105. That is, the selectable controls includedin the first section 210 may be controls that are generally found andused across a number of different software applications.

Selectable controls included in the first section 210 may be utilizedfor all such applications comprising such a multiple functionalityapplication, but other selectable controls presented in the userinterface 200 described below, may be tailored to particular tasks whichmay be performed by particular software applications comprising themultiple functionality application. On the other hand, it should beappreciated that the user interface 200 described herein may be utilizedfor a single software application such as a word processing application125, a slide presentation application 135, a spreadsheet application140, a database application 145, or any other software application whichmay utilize a user interface for allowing users to apply functionalityof the associated application.

Referring still to FIG. 2, adjacent to the first section 210 of the userinterface 200 is a task-based tab section. The tab section includesselectable tabs associated with task-based functionality provided by agiven software application. For purposes of example, the task-based tabsillustrated in FIG. 2 are associated with tasks that may be performedusing a word processing application 125. For example, a “Writing” tab215 is associated with functionality that may be utilized for performingwriting tasks. An “Insert” tab 220 is associated with functionalityassociated with performing insert operations or tasks. A “Page Layout”tab 230 is associated with functionality provided by the associatedapplication for performing or editing page layout attributes of a givendocument.

As should be appreciated, many other task-based tabs or selectablecontrols may be added to the tab section of the user interface forcalling functionality associated with other tasks. For example, tasktabs may be added for text effects, document styles, review and comment,and the like. And, as described above, the user interface 200 may beutilized for a variety of different software applications. For example,if the user interface 200 is utilized for a slide presentationapplication, tabs contained in the tab section may include such tabs as“Create Slides,” “Insert,” “Format,” “Drawing,” “Effects,” and the likeassociated with a variety of tasks that may be performed by a slidepresentation application. Similarly, tabs that may be utilized in thetab section of the user interface 200 for a spreadsheet application 140may include such tabs as “Data” or “Data Entry,” “Lists,” “PivotTables,” “Analysis,” “Formulas,” “Pages and Printing,” and the likeassociated with tasks that may be performed using a spreadsheetapplication.

Immediately beneath the generic controls section 210 and the task-basedtab section is a selectable functionality control section for displayingselectable functionality controls associated with a selected tab 215,220, 230 from the task-based tab section. According to embodiments ofthe present invention, when a particular tab, such as the “Writing” tab215 is selected, selectable functionality available from the associatedsoftware application for performing the selected task, for example awriting task, is displayed in logical groupings. For example, referringto FIG. 2, a first logical grouping 240 is displayed under a heading“Clipboard.” According to embodiments of the present invention, theclipboard section 240 includes selectable functionality controlslogically grouped together and associated with clipboard actionsunderneath the general task of writing. For example, the clipboardsection 240 may include such selectable controls as a cut control, acopy control, a paste control, a select all control, etc. Adjacent tothe clipboard section 240, a second logical grouping 250 is presentedunder the heading “Formatting.”

Selectable controls presented in the “Formatting” section 250 mayinclude such selectable controls as text justification, text type, fontsize, line spacing, boldface, italics, underline, etc. Accordingly,functionalities associated with formatting operations are logicallygrouped together underneath the overall task of “Writing.” A thirdlogical grouping 260 is presented under the heading “Writing Tools.” Thewriting tools section 260 includes such writing tools as find/replace,autocorrect, etc. According to embodiments of the present invention,upon selection of a different task-based tab from the tab section, adifferent set of selectable functionality controls in different logicalgroupings is presented in the user interface 200 associated with theselected task-based tab. For example, if the “Insert” task tab 220 isselected, the selectable functionality controls presented in the userinterface 200 are changed from those illustrated in FIG. 2 to includeselectable functionality controls associated with the insert task. Fordetailed information regarding the user interface 200, illustrated inFIG. 2, see United States Patent Application, Attorney Matter No.60001.0410USU1, Applicant Matter No. 309411.01, entitled “Command UserInterface for Displaying Selectable Software Functionality Controls,”which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set out herein.

FIGS. 3 through 10 illustrate aspects of a first embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a computer screen display showinga ribbon-shaped user interface in which is disposed selectablefunctionality controls relevant to and associated with the editing of aselected object. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-10,of the present invention, when a portion of a document or a particularobject is selected for editing, such as a text object, picture object,spreadsheet object, or the like, the user interface illustrated in FIG.2 is temporarily replaced with a user interface, as illustrated in FIG.3, which contains selectable functionality controls particularlyassociated with editing the selected object. For example, if a pictureobject embedded in a text file is selected for editing, the task-basedfunctionality tabs and any associated logical groupings of individualselectable functionality controls, as described above with reference toFIG. 2, are replaced with one or more task-based functionality tabs andassociated logical groupings of selectable functionality controls thatare particular to editing the selected object.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, if a picture object embedded in a textfile or other document is selected for editing by the user, theribbon-shaped user interface 300 replaces the ribbon-shaped userinterface 200 so that the user is provided with task-based tabs 310,320, 330 particular to editing the selected picture object. Similar tothe description of the user interface 200 described above, uponselection of one of the task-based tabs 310, 320, 330, the portion ofthe user interface 300 disposed beneath the tabs is populated withindividual or logical groupings of selectable functionality controls forapplying functionality available under the selected task-based tab tothe selected object. For example, referring to the user interface 300,selection of a “Style Gallery” tab 310 causes the presentation of a“Layout” section 350 and a “Picture Styles” section 355. In addition, a“Selection” section 345 is provided for allowing the user to selectbetween multiple picture objects, for example, for application of anyselected functionality. If the user applies a given functionality to theselected object, but is not satisfied with the result of thefunctionality application, a reset button 340 is provided for allowingthe user to reset the selected object back to its condition prior toapplying the selected functionality. Selection of one of the othertask-based tabs, such as the “Effects” tab 320 or the “Picture Tools”tab 330, will cause a different set of selectable functionality controlsto be displayed in the lower portion of the user interface 300associated with the selected task-based tab.

Referring to the example functionality controls illustrated in the userinterface 300, in the “Picture Styles” section 355, a plurality ofimages are provided for showing a user how a selected object would bedisplayed if a particular combination of formatting options or picturestyles is applied to the object. According to embodiments of the presentinvention, selection of one or more of the images may cause all commandsnecessary for formatting or stylizing the selected object in a mannerconsistent with the selected image from the user interface 300. That is,upon selecting a desired image in the “Picture Styles” section 355, theselected object in the user's document is automatically formatted orstylized accordingly. The “Layout” section 350 is representative of afunctionality controls section which may have one or more images orpotential layout styles or schemes than may be displayed in the userinterface 300. Accordingly, as illustrated and described below withreference to FIG. 6, selection of the “Layout” section 350 may cause adrop-down menu or drop-across menu to be displayed providing a user witha variety of different layout options that may be applied to theselected object.

As should be understood by those skilled in the art, the exampletask-based tabs and individual functionality controls illustrated in theuser interface 300 are for purposes of example only and are in no waylimiting of the variety of object-specific functionalities that may beprovided in the user interface 300. According to embodiments of thepresent invention, by replacing the normal functionality offerings ofthe user interface 200 with functionality particular to the selectedobject, the user experience is one of being immersed in thefunctionality available to the user for editing the selected object.

If insufficient space is available in the user interface 300 fordisplaying all logical groupings of functionality controls associatedwith a given task-based tab, a determination may be made at applicationrun time as to any logical groupings that must be collapsed or closeduntil the associated task-based tab is selected. Similarly, if the usermanually reduces the size of the user interface 300, a determination ismade as to the available space for displaying selectable functionalitycontrol sections, and certain selectable functionality control sectionsare collapsed as required. As should be appreciated, a determination maybe made as to the order of collapsing selectable functionality controlsections such that a criteria, such as “most used” or “most recentlyused” may be used for determining which selectable functionality controlsections are displayed and which sections are collapsed as the availablespace in the user interface is decreased.

According to an alternate embodiment, if the user interface 300 lackssufficient space to display all logical groupings of functionalitycontrols associated with a given task-based tab, the size of the displayof individual logical groupings is reduced to allow space for thedisplay of all associated logical groupings. According to one aspect ofthis embodiment, different sizes of groupings displays, for examplesmall, medium and large, may be defined. At display time, adetermination may be made as to the available space. At a startingpoint, the largest size for each applicable logical grouping display ispresented. As required, the display size is reduced (i.e., large tomedium to small) for each logical grouping until each grouping fits inthe available space. In addition, for smaller logical grouping displaylayouts, text labels may be shortened or eliminated and the layout ofindividual selectable controls contained in given groupings may berearranged to allow for more efficient use of space.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example text document is displayed in a wordprocessing application workspace having an embedded picture object. Theuser interface 200, disposed along the upper edge of the word processingapplication workspace, is displayed with task-based tabs and associatedselectable functionality control sections for writing text into thedisplayed document. If the user desires to edit the picture object 410,according to embodiments of the present invention, the user need notsearch for functionality required for editing picture objects. Uponselecting the picture object 410 for editing, a “Show Picture Tools”control 420 is displayed to the user for allowing the user to call uptools and other functionality available to the user for editing theselected object. As should be understood by those skilled in the art,the description of the editing of a picture object is for purposes ofexample only and is not limiting of a variety of different tools andfunctionalities that may be exposed to the user in a user interface 300described above upon selection of different types of objects. Forexample, tools and functionality may be provided for editing tableobjects, spreadsheet objects, slide presentation objects, databaseobjects, and the like.

If the user selects the “Show Pictures Tools” control, according to theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-10, the user interface 300 isdynamically generated and temporarily replaces the user interface 200,as illustrated in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, the user interface 300replaces the user interface 200, and task-based functionality availableto the user for editing the selected picture object is displayed in theuser interface 300, as described above with reference to FIG. 3. Now,the user may select one or more functionalities applicable to editingthe selected object (e.g., picture object) without the need forsearching through a variety of different menus or tool bars forfunctionality needed for editing the selected object. In order todismiss the user interface 300 and return to the user interface 200, anexit control may be selected.

Referring to FIG. 6, consider, for example, that the user decides tochange the layout of the document by moving the embedded picture objectto a different location. The user could manually move the embeddedobject to a different location followed by changing the orientation andlocation of text contained in the document to cause the overall documentto have an acceptable and desirable layout. However, according toembodiments of the present invention, the user may select the layoutcontrol 350 to deploy a drop-down menu for providing a variety ofdifferent potential layouts for the selected object within the selecteddocument. For example, the drop-down menu 600 provides layouts such as“Centered Large,” 610, “Top Left,” 620, “Top Right,” 630, “Centered inText,” 640, “Above & Below,” 650 and “Alone on Page” 660. As should beunderstood, the potential layouts described and illustrated with respectto FIG. 6 are for purposes of example only and are not limiting of avariety of different layouts that may be provided to the user via theuser interface 300.

As described above with reference to FIG. 3, according to embodiments ofthe present invention, all required commands for applying a presentedformatting or layout to the selected object may be coded for executionupon selecting one of the formatting or layout images provided in theuser interface. Accordingly, if the user desires to select a layoutplacing the selected picture object in the top right orientation of theselected document, the user may select the “Top Right” layout 630, andall required functionality for rearranging the selected object anddocument according to the selected layout is applied to the document andobject so that the document assumes the selected layout, as illustratedin FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, the selected object 410 is now positioned in theupper right-hand corner of the document, and the text has beenrearranged accordingly. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the user interface 300containing the functionality associated with the selected object remainspersisted in the user interface until the user selects a differentobject in the document for editing. For example, if the user moves themouse cursor to a text portion of the document and selects the textportion of the document for editing, the user interface 300 will bedismissed and an appropriate user interface 200 associated with editingthe selected text will be displayed, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the picture object has been deletedand the cursor is situated in the text portion of the document.Accordingly, the user interface 300, containing functionality particularto editing a picture object is dismissed, and the user interface 200,containing task-based tabs and associated selectable functionalitycontrols, groupings or sections is displayed for providing the usernecessary functionality for editing the text portion of the document.

As described above, one method for deploying the user interface 300 forproviding selectable functionality associated with a particular objectis to select a particular object within a given document. Alternatively,the user interface 300, containing functionality associated with aparticular object may be deployed by inserting an object of a given typeinto a document. For example, referring to FIG. 9, if a user decides toinsert a table object into the document illustrated in FIG. 9, the usermay select the “Insert” task-based tab 220 from the user interface 200for deploying selectable functionality controls associated withinserting text or objects into the document. If the user then decides toinsert a particular object, for example, a table object, into thedocument, the user may utilize one or more selectable functionalitycontrols presented in the user interface 200, or the user may launch adialog 900, as illustrated in FIG. 9, for creating and inserting adesired object, for example a table object, into the selected document.

According to embodiments of the present invention, once the user selectsfor inserting the desired object into the document, the object 1050 isinserted into the document, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Simultaneously,the user interface 200 is replaced with a user interface 300 fordisplaying selectable functionality for editing the now-selected tableobject 1050. For example, referring to FIG. 10, the user interface 300now includes task-based tabs associated with editing a table object. Forexample, task-based tabs, illustrated in the user interface 300, include“Style Gallery,” “Effects,” “Borders and Shading,” “Table Layout,” and“Date.” As described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, selection ofone of the task-based tabs, for example the “Style Gallery” tab, causesa display of individual or groupings of selectable functionalitycontrols 1020, 1030, 1040 for editing the selected object according tothe selected task-based tab.

FIGS. 11 through 15 illustrate aspects of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring now to FIG. 11, aspects of this embodimentof the present invention are illustrated and described with reference toa spreadsheet application 140. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a spreadsheetdocument is displayed having an example table of data 1150. A userinterface 1100 similar to the user interface 200 described above withreference to FIG. 2 is disposed above the spreadsheet workspace forproviding spreadsheet application functionality. A plurality oftask-based tabs are provided at the top of the user interface 1100 forselectively displaying logical groupings of selectable functionalitycontrols associated with given task-based functionality tabs. Forexample, task-based functionality tabs included in the user interface1100 include “Insert,” “Page Layout,” “Analysis,” etc.

According to aspects of this embodiment, when an object is selected forediting, such as the table object 1150 illustrated in FIG. 11, theselectable functionality controls associated with the selected object donot replace the tabs displayed in the user interface 1100, but areappended to the user interface 1100 beneath the tabs displayed in theuser interface 1100. The controls associated with the selected objectare automatically displayed in the appended orientation relative to thetabs of the user interface 1100 upon selection or insertion of a givenobject. Selection of any of the tabs in the user interface 1100dismisses the controls displayed for the selected or inserted objectthat are appended beneath the user interface 1100. For example, a“Styles” section 1110 is provided for applying spreadsheet workspacestyles to the document, a “Properties” section 1120 is provided, an“Actions” section 1130 is provided, and a “Publish to Server” section1140 is provided. According to embodiments of the present invention,because a table object is embedded in the spreadsheet workspace, a“Table Tools” tab is exposed adjacent to the task-based functionalitytabs 1100. As should be appreciated, selection of the “Table Tools” tabmay cause a display of selectable functionality controls associated withtable objects in the lower portion of the user interface.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, selection of the “Table Tools” tab causesdisplay of the selectable functionality controls associated with theselected table. Alternatively, the display of the selectablefunctionality controls associated with the selected table may beautomatically displayed upon selection of the table object without useof the “Table Tools” tab. As should be understood, description of thetable object 1150 and use of the “Table Tools” tab are for purposes ofexample only and are not limiting of operation of embodiments of thepresent invention with respect to other objects that may be insertedinto or edited in the spreadsheet workspace.

Referring to FIG. 13, if a user decides to create a chart, for example,using data contained in the selected table object, the user may selectone of the chart-type images “Controls” illustrated in the userinterface of FIG. 12. Upon selection of a chart for inserting into thespreadsheet workspace, an “Insert Chart” dialog 1310 may be displayedfor allowing the user to specify attributes of the selected chart. Asillustrated in FIG. 14, once particular chart attributes are selected, acorresponding chart is drawn and is displayed in the spreadsheetworkspace. According to embodiments of the present invention, insertionof the selected chart automatically causes functionality of thepreviously displayed user interface (see FIGS. 12 and 13) to be replacedwith selectable functionality controls associated with editing theselected and inserted chart. For example, a “Chart Structure” section1410, a “Chart Options” section 1420, a “3D View” section 1430, and an“Axis Scale” section 1440 are displayed in a lower portion of the userinterface to provide particular selectable functionality controlsassociated with editing the selected chart.

Referring now to FIG. 15, if the user selects a different functionalityfor application to the spreadsheet workspace, for example, inserting apivot table, the particular functionality displayed in the userinterface associated with editing the chart, as illustrated in FIG. 14,is replaced with functionality associated with inserting the selected ordesired pivot table. Accordingly, functionality controls are madeavailable and displayed to the user according to the nature of theuser's work, for example, selection of a particular object in a documentfor editing.

As described herein, an improved user interface is provided fordisplaying selectable functionality controls that are relevant to aselected object and that remain persisted for use while the selectedobject is being edited. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various modifications or variations may be made in the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein.

1. A method for providing a user interface for a software application,the method comprising: displaying a first section comprising selectabletabs associated with task-based functionality of the softwareapplication; displaying a second section comprising a first set ofselectable controls organized underneath a currently selected tab;displaying a third section for editing an electronic document; andenabling an editing of the electronic document while persisting thedisplay of the first set of selectable controls organized underneath thecurrently selected tab.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving a selection of an object within the third section; anddisplaying, in response to the received selection of the object, anadditional tab in the first section, the additional tab corresponding tosoftware functionality associated with editing the selected object. 3.The method of claim 2, further comprising: replacing, upon receiving theselection of the object, the first set of selectable controls with asecond set of selectable controls organized underneath the additionaltab.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving a selectionof the additional tab in the first section; and replacing the first setof selectable controls with a second set of selectable controlsorganized under the selected additional tab.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein displaying the second section comprising the first set ofselectable controls comprises displaying the first set of selectablecontrols in logical groupings, the logical groupings comprising a subsetof the first set of selectable controls having an underlying commontask.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein displaying the first set ofselectable controls in logical groupings comprises displaying a headingfor each logical grouping, the heading corresponding to the underlyingcommon task associated with the selectable control subset.
 7. The methodof claim 1, further comprising displaying, adjacent to the firstsection, a fourth section having at least one selectable control forgeneral file commands associated with the software application.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein enabling the editing of the electronicdocument comprises enabling the editing of at least one of thefollowing: a spreadsheet document, a word-processing document, and aslide presentation document.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein receivingthe selection of the object comprises receiving a selection of at leastone of the following: a picture object and a table object.
 10. Themethod of claim 2, wherein displaying, in response to the receivedselection of the object, the additional tab in the first sectioncomprises displaying a title for the additional tab corresponding to atype of the selected object.
 11. A computer-readable storage mediumhaving a set of instructions which when executed perform a method forproviding a user interface for a software application, the methodexecuted by the set of instructions comprising: displaying a firstsection comprising selectable tabs associated with tasks of the softwareapplication; displaying, adjacent to the first section, a second sectioncomprising a first set of selectable controls associated with acurrently selected tab; receiving a selection of an object within thesoftware application; and displaying, in response to the receivedselection of the object, an additional tab in the first sectioncorresponding to software functionality associated with editing theselected object.
 12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11,further comprising: receiving a selection of the additional tab; andreplacing the first set of selectable controls in the second sectionwith a second set of selectable controls corresponding to the softwarefunctionality associated with editing the selected object.
 13. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, further comprising:replacing, in response to the received selection of the object, thefirst set of selectable controls in the second section with a second setof selectable controls corresponding to the software functionalityassociated with editing the selected object.
 14. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 11, wherein receiving the selection of theobject within the software application comprises enabling the selectionof the object while persisting the display of the first set ofselectable controls in the second section.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein displaying the second section comprising the first set ofselectable controls comprises displaying the first set of selectablecontrols in logical groupings, the logical groupings comprising a subsetof the first set of selectable controls having an underlying commontask.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the first set ofselectable controls in logical groupings comprises displaying a headingfor each logical grouping, the heading corresponding to the underlyingcommon task associated with the selectable control subset of eachlogical grouping.
 17. A method for providing a user interface for asoftware application, the method comprising: displaying a first sectioncomprising selectable controls for general file commands associated withthe software application; displaying, adjacent to the first section, asecond section comprising selectable tabs associated with task-basedfunctionality of the software application; displaying, underneath thesecond section, a third section comprising a first set of selectablecontrols associated with a currently selected tab; organizing the firstset of selectable controls into subsets of selectable controls having acommon underlying task; organizing the subsets of selectable controlsinto logical groupings, each logical grouping comprising a headingrepresenting the underlying task of its corresponding subset ofcontrols; and displaying, underneath the third section, a fourth sectionfor editing an electronic document.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: receiving a selection of an object; and displaying, inresponse to the received selection of the object, an additional tab inthe second section corresponding to software functionality associatedwith editing the selected object.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising: replacing, in response to the received selection of theobject, the first set of selectable controls in the third section with asecond set of selectable controls corresponding to the softwarefunctionality associated with editing the selected object.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein receiving the selection of the objectcomprises receiving a selection of at least one of the following: apicture object and a table object, and wherein displaying, in responseto the received selection of the object, the additional tab in thesecond section comprises displaying a title for the additional tabcorresponding to a type of the selected object.